Florencio Gonzales Jr.

Smiley was a loving husband, father, grandfather, sibling, friend, and community volunteer. A go-getter from an early age, he was always driven by a strong desire to succeed. In high school, he was a part of DECA, a program that introduced him to the world of retail. It was during this time that he set two important goals in his high school memory book: to become a store manager with his own store, and to get married.

Smiley began achieving those goals early. He started his career as a store manager for Winn’s in Falfurrias, Texas. It was there he met the love of his life, Humbelina “Humble” Moreno. They married in Falfurrias on June 16, 1979, and together raised two daughters, Krystle and Sheila.

His passion and talent for retail took him far. After Winn’s, he became a District Manager for Dollar General in McAllen, Texas, and later a Regional Manager in San Antonio. Smiley eventually continued his career with Family Dollar, serving as a District Manager in Palestine, Texas.

After decades of hard work and leadership in retail, Smiley retired in September 2020, settling in Alice, Texas. Retirement gave him the opportunity to enjoy more time with Humble and their three beloved grandsons. On weekends, Smiley loved being with family, barbecuing, and traveling to his favorite casinos—he always knew where to find the best maquinitas in the area.

Even in retirement, Smiley’s passion for retail and community didn’t fade. He and Humble volunteered at the nonprofit store Alice Trash & Treasure, and his generous heart led him to also volunteer at the Alice Food Pantry.

Smiley was preceded in death by his parents, Florencio and Berta Gonzales; his sisters Paula (Isabel) Cruz and Janie (Danny) Llanes; and his brother Samuel Gonzales.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Humbelina Gonzales; daughters Krystle (Octavio Z.) Flores of Alice, TX, and Sheila (Jimmy) Foster of San Antonio, TX; and grandsons Jayden Foster, Sebastian Flores, and Oliver Flores. He is also survived by his siblings: Zack Gonzales of Raymondville, TX; Frank (Sylvia) Gonzales of Raymondville, TX; Richard Gonzales of Brownsville, TX; Lala (Milton) King of San Antonio, TX; and Rita (Frank) Rodriguez of Raymondville, TX—as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

As we say farewell to Smiley, we remember his outgoing personality, his gift for seeing the best in people, and the infectious smile that no one will ever forget.

Pallbearers will be Octavio Z. Flores, Sebastian Flores, Oliver Flores, Jimmy Foster, Jayden Foster, Danny Gonzales, Rick Gonzales, JD Sanchez, Joel Campos.